Michael B. Horn: For Digital Learning, the Devil’s in the Details

With Digital Learning Now providing a "“Roadmap for Reform,” that is a a guide to help states navigate different paths toward changing their online education policies, and non-profits such as the Khan Academy providing digitally-based Open Education Resources to schools, one might assume that moving into the future of online learning will be a straightforward exercise.
It isn't that easy, as I write in the Spring 2012 issue of Education Next.
Crafting a viable funding model for online courses that makes sense for districts and providers alike has not been easy. Even more challenging is helping schools and districts transition to a world in which students still need some of the services they provide but take most of their courses online. How does funding work in this model? How do schools create the flexible schedules and offer the critical services—many of which may be nonacademic—to accommodate students’ varying needs? How do they transition to this service—or community center—model?
Suggesting that a road map document could tackle such complexity isn't fair. But a glimpse into the exciting— and uncertain—future presented by Digital Learning Now! does raise many legitimate questions. That’s no reason to delay implementing its recommendations though; innovation is never perfect right out of the box.
Click here to read my entire article and find out why I believe innovations will clear many of the familiar roadblocks.